Scientists Reveal Surprising Origins of Tamang DNA

The Tamang people of Nepal have a complex and surprising genetic origin that rewrites previously held assumptions. Genetic studies reveal that the Tamang genome is a mosaic comprising approximately 60-63% Tibetan-like ancestry, 18-31% lowland East Asian ancestry linked to ancient farmers of the Yellow River region, and 9-19% South Asian ancestry. This suggests the Tamang did not descend solely from Tibet but emerged from a hidden migration corridor around the Tibetan plateau that passed through Myanmar, northeast India, and Himalayan foothills before mixing in Nepal.

Archaeological evidence, including ancient stone tools dated to around 30,000 years ago and burials from 1500-500 BCE in Mustang, show the Tamang ancestors were part of a broad ancient network of human movement throughout Asia rather than isolated mountain people. Their genetic markers link them both to high-altitude Tibetan populations and lowland East Asian farmers, as well as an extinct Paleolithic Eurasian lineage contributing about 20% of their ancestry.

Culturally and spiritually, the Tamang preserve dual traditions of ancient Bonan animism and later Tibetan Buddhism, reflecting their layered history. They survived centuries of political marginalization and assimilation attempts by preserving their language, music, and rituals, which carry encoded memories of their migrations and identity.

Overall, the Tamang exemplify a mosaic human identity shaped by millennia of intermarriage, migration, and adaptation in Himalayan valleys, not isolated high-altitude descent. Their genetic and cultural heritage reveals the Himalayas as permeable corridors of human diversity rather than impassable walls. This challenges simplified narratives about Himalayan peoples and highlights their dynamic, connected origins.